The Pile Bookstore - Berwyn, IL

The Pile Bookstotre, Berwyn, IL

 

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As I write this it is almost the one-year anniversary of the opening of this terrific Berwyn bookstore.  Congratulations and happy birthday to The Pile and its owner Rebecca L.  I was happy to hear that so far things are going well for this indie, located on the heavily traveled Roosevelt Rd, a main artery of traffic across Chicagoland.  It is also located closely among three suburbs without a bookstore like The Pile, Oak Park, Forest Park, and Berwyn.  And even though Roosevelt Rd is very busy with traffic and businesses, the other areas around this bookstore are residential streets which allows for many walk-in neighborhood customers and has helped to establish a core of regulars.  

The Pile offers new and used books in a long narrow space.  You'll find the used books shelved below the new books within their respective genres.  I really like that Rebecca is able to keep an inventory of the used books so she knows exactly what's in the store.  For customers who bring their books in she’ll offer store credit in return but she’ll also accept books simply as donations.  If you can’t visit The Pile in person consider placing a book order off of their website.  For Rebecca, this component is a nice piece of the business puzzle.  There are a few sidelines here including store merch, bookstore candles, tote bags, and stickers to name a few.  The quirky bookstore socks have sold especially well.  They also offer a small cafe service that includes assorted beverages and pastry items.  Everything you need to enjoy some time browsing books.  

But I discovered my favorite thing about this bookstore way before visiting here.  Rebecca hit it out of the ballpark when she settled on the store name, The Pile.  I love it and don’t know of any other indie with the same name.  I think most readers including myself, can relate to this name.  The TBR pile, the DNF pile, the return pile, etc.  Thankfully, the pile at The Pile is not a pile at all but an organized and neatly arranged collection of bookshelves saving us from tripping over piles like the ones we have!

Pay a visit to The Pile and work on building your home piles!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Fresh Water For Flowers, Valérie Perrin.  Violette is the caretaker and gardener for cemetery in a small French village.  Her home there becomes a refuge for those who are grieving, the grave-diggers, and the local priest.  A detective pays her a visit and wants permission to place his mother's ashes next to a lover's grave.  And on and on.  This book gets great view but was slow for me. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Teacher, Freida McFadden.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   A Book Lover's Box: Paper Goodies to Celebrate Your Inner Bookworm.  This would make a great gift, check it out.  Not purchased, but gifted: My very own The Pile book bag.  Thanks Rebecca. 

If Roosevelt Rd is part of your Chicagoland commute, you'll see this store. 

Fine by me. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Two steps into the store and on the left. 

Find these bargains just inside the entrance and to the right. 

Looking to the right after entering, a beautiful arrangement. 

Pricing guide. 

This is the long wall you'll browse on the left side of the store. 

I love this setting in the front of the store. 

In the front of the store and on these shelves you'll find numerous games available for you and friends to play while in the store.  Great idea. 

Just a few of the books available by local authors. 

If you're in high school, scan this and check it out.

In addition to my love of bookstores I also have a love for the Cubs.  Any Cub fan can tell you the meaning of "10" in this title. 

2025 calendars are still available. 

A great table to gather with friends or a book club. 

Scan and discover. 

One of the community recommendations, Water For Elephants.  If you haven't read it and are looking for a good book, I enjoyed it.

Various sidelines at the checkout counter. 

Stickers and baked items.  Yes and yes. 

Enjoy something to eat and drink while you browse the store. 

Looking into the children's section. 

An overview of the children's area. 

Even the children's section has bargains. 

View of the store looking from the back towards the front entrance. 

An overview of the cafe service. 

The Pile offers a variety of candles. 

Where else can you get a unique tea and coffee mug like this? 

ALWAYS consider a gift card. 

With Rebecca, the fine owner you'll meet at The Pile Bookstore.  Two music majors talking books!  Thanks for a great visit. 

About Time Bookstore - Libertyville, IL

About Time Bookstore, Libertyville, IL

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You know how LeBron James was born to play basketball?  Well, Delanie D. was born to be a bookseller and bookstore owner.  She still keeps a part-time position as a consultant in the corporate world, but her passion project is owning a Libertyville bookstore, a talent that suits her very well.  In the store’s 2 1/2 months of existence they already have a strong core of regulars, many who’ve already benefited from the customer incentive program by spending $200 in the store and receiving a discount on a future purchase.  They also enjoy seeing customers from the surrounding communities who don’t have a bookstore in their area.  This store’s location on the busiest street in the heart of downtown Libertyville is a big boost and very visible, surrounded by other small businesses.  Ideal.  

At just 2 1/2 months old, About Time is just hitting its stride but Delanie has a good grip moving into the future.  For now, you’ll find all new books and a small number of used books.  If you can’t visit in person you can order a book online and that part of the business will continue to evolve and grow.  Sidelines include stickers, store merch, greeting cards, and locally created unique novelties.  This part of the business will also continue to improve.  The store hosts a story time for kids and also hosts some book clubs.  I especially like that About Time is hosting some ticketed events to help sustain the store through the slow months of January and February.  A great idea for any indie that has to deal with challenging winter weather for shoppers.  

The best thing at this store was the one thing I DIDN’T experience.  Finn, the shop dog, was not here today because he had to go to camp (yes, you read that right and you other shop dogs better step-up your game).  He even has his own staff recommendations.  Way to go, Finn.

There are many in the Libertyville area who’ve not discovered this indie yet.  Well, it’s “about time” that you do.  Enjoy an experience in a beautiful store and meeting a charismatic, charming, and knowledgeable owner who will provide an EXPERIENCE that you simply won’t get online.  Congratulations to Delanie and Libertyville!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  Kazuko: Sixth Grade in World War II Hiroshima, Kazuko Blake with Sandra Blake.  An excellent primary source memoir of the author who was in 6th grade when the first atomic bomb was dropped.  Describes her life and family in Japan before the bomb and after.  The author is still living today in the United States,  Highly recommended if you can get it (Wide Angle Publishing, O'Fallon, IL). 

CURRENTLY READING:  Fresh Water for Flowers, Valérie Perrin. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Stationery Store, Marjan Kamali. 

Welcome to Libertyville. 

Beautiful storefront. 

Good advice during winter weather. 

Full view of the storefront. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

I love this seating area in the front of the store with all the natural light.  Beautiful. 

I like these seats right by the front door.  And a great reading shelf for your book. 

If you're looking for bargains find this book rack. 

If I were a regular, this is where you'd find me. 

Check out these community boards when you visit and discover lots of bookstore and local information. 

Another unique setting.  Chair and desk combined into one piece. 

Table display of best sellers. 

Head over to the left side of the store and start browsing.  Kudos to Delanie's dad who built this very attractive shelving. 

Display of new releases. 

Another twist on the "blind date with a book"  promotion.  This is "blind date with a book bundle."

Uniquely crafted jewelry. 

Close-up of one of the above items. 

A potpourri of happiness for your home, locally sourced. 

I really like that the store features a display of customer recommendations. 

Hobby favorites. 

At About Time Bookstore, Finn, the shop dog is very well read indeed. 

Just a few of the books by local and regional authors. 

Of course you'll need a book tote. 

A portion of the children's area. 

Overview of the children's area.  Come join them for their story time. 

A perfect little table with little chairs for little readers. 

Another angle of the children's area. 

Visual confirmation. 

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

The store even offers bargain books for kids. 

Make sure to get some stickers at the checkout counter. 

Just a few of the greeting cards offered. 

With Delanie, the fine owner at About Time Bookstore.  Thanks for a great visit.